Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence

Antiretroviral therapy can manage HIV long-term if adherence is consistent enough to support viral suppression and prevent transmission. ART adherence in high-income countries often falls short of recommended levels. Adherence levels of 80% to 90% are generally adequate for viral suppression among people living with HIV taking ART. A 2020 US study found that 45% of people living with HIV had poor ART adherence below 80%. Poor ART adherence increases drug resistance, HIV transmission, hospitalization, costs, morbidity, and mortality. Dosing complexity, tolerability, toxicity, and variable insurance coverage are structural barriers to ART adherence.